Concrete repair may seem like a simple job but it’s actually a methodical process. Every defect in the concrete should be analyzed extensively so that the right solution will be applied to fix the problem. There are property owners who wait until the problem gets worse before hiring concrete contractors, and this is bad practice.
Don’t wait until there are chunks of concrete falling off the wall or dismantled from the driveway. Never wait until the structure is beyond repair as that means you’ll be spending a lot of money on its replacement. Worse comes to worst, even that is no longer an option for you. You may have to demolish everything and build anew.
How Should Concrete Repair Be Performed?
The first step to concrete repair is to determine what caused the problem. Knowing the cause of the deterioration or damage makes it easier for the concrete contractors to restore the structure back to its original form. All underlying conditions should also be analyzed, such as the weight of the load that the concrete must withstand.
Repairing concrete also means installing a composite system that will be different from the original. Although it is made with the same concrete substrate, it’s still a newer material. It is necessary to create a superior adhesion or interface between the two.
Concrete Repair Materials
Unless you’re an expert concrete contractor, you won’t know that there are hundreds of concrete repair materials available. Choosing which one to use is actually difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing. The most popular material used for repairing concrete is the use of cement patching. To apply it, water is merely added to the mix and then patched over the cracked concrete.
However, newer technologies have paved the way to better options and more durable results. There are substances that are added to the mix, such as latex polymers, silica fume, and corrosion inhibitors, to reduce shrinkage and increase bond strength. The proper mixing and application of these repair mortars are necessary to achieve the desired effect.
Correct Application Methods
The selection of the right material is just half of the job. The other half requires the skills of concrete contractors. Every concrete repair material used has its own application method. Experts know all about this, which is why you need to consult with them in the first place.
Professional concrete contractors would know if the material has to be applied lightly over the surface or applied in thick layers. They also know if it has to assume complex geometric shapes and needs mechanical application. Consulting with experts will allow you to understand all of these repair methods better.
Hiring Professional Concrete Contractors
It’s imperative for one to seek proper guidance when doing concrete repair. Aside from the role of concrete contractors, the literature released by the manufacturers of the repair material is a great source of information on their use and application. Researching and studying concrete is something that professional concrete contractors do every day. That’s the main reason why you shouldn’t hire anybody else for your concrete repair project.
